Kirkwood Lake made a major stride this week, when Sherwin William agreed to work with the community in its efforts to clean up the lake.
“We are very happy to know that Sherwin Williams is going to provide us with some assistance,” Alice Johnston, member of the Kirkwood Lake Environmental Committee, said. “While there is still a lot of work to be done, this is truly a huge step in the right direction.”
The news comes after last week’s public hearing on the matter to create a plan for dredging and removing the toxins in the lake.
“The meeting was a let down,” Johnston said. “We weren’t able to make any definitive plans, but at least the discussions have started, and that is something to be happy about.”
Freeholder Jeffery Nash presented a rough plan at the meeting in the absence of JMT Engineers who were supposed to be in attendance. The plan outlined steps that need to be made to save the lake, which include dredging, cleaning and an additional spraying.
The lake was sprayed with aqua pro last month to stop the spread of spatterdock, but it was not successful. Professionals were back at the lake on July 1 to spray the lake again.
“While we weren’t expecting to have to spray the lake again so soon, we had always envisioned a second spray would be necessary,” Johnston said.
And while the June 24 meeting was beneficial, on June 25, the issue was brought to the attention of Gov. Christie’s aide. Ed Kelleher and Sadie Mawson, Kirkwood Lake Environmental Committee volunteers, discussed the issue with the aide during the governor’s trip to Haddon Heights. His aide also accepted a booklet, petition, pictures and background information to share with Christie.
“It is great that those volunteers took the initiative and shared this story with someone who can pass it along to some higher powers,” Johnston said. “Hopefully, now that the word can spread to decision makers, things will start to move quicker.”
Johnston is also planning to meet with another Christie aide toward the end of the week.
Even with the information being passed along, however, Johnston knows little can be done without the Environmental Protection Agency, which has yet to weigh in on the topic of Kirkwood Lake.
“This is a three prong process,” she said. “Sherwin Williams has accepted their part, the community is willing to do what we can, but without the EPA, were all at a standstill.”
Another public meeting is being planned for the beginning of August. Johnston hopes this meeting will include all parties involved.
“Now that Sherwin Williams is open to provide support, I hope we can get everyone in a room together, so that way decisions can be made,” she said.
